explanatory variable

Meaning

1. 1nouncountablemathematics

   A variable that is used to predict or account for changes in another variable in a statistical model or study.

   Grammar: A countable noun: a model may have several explanatory variables.

   Patterns

   • explanatory variable for something

   In the study, hours of sleep was the explanatory variable and test score the response.

   The model adds age as a second explanatory variable.

   A scatter plot places the explanatory variable on the horizontal axis.

Word forms

Common combinations

choose an explanatory variable

Choose an explanatory variable before fitting the line.

response and explanatory variable

Label the response and explanatory variable on the graph.

multiple explanatory variables

The model includes multiple explanatory variables.

categorical explanatory variable

Gender is a categorical explanatory variable in the analysis.

Synonyms and how they differ

independent variable

Independent variable is used mostly in experiments, where the researcher controls it, while explanatory suits observational studies.

predictor

Predictor stresses forecasting an outcome, and is the common word in regression.

regressor

Regressor is more technical and mostly used in econometrics.

covariate

A covariate is usually an extra variable to adjust for, rather than the main one of interest.

Opposites

Word family

explain verb

to make clear or account for

explanatory adjective

serving to explain

variable noun

a quantity that can change

variability noun

the degree of change

Commonly confused: explanatory variable or response variable?

Practice

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